Scarlet called the development plans akin to “turning Downton Abbey into Little Wynyard”.

“It’s an important building to Middlesbrough, it’s the only Grade I listed,” said Scarlett, 32, from Acklam.

“It’s somewhere of personal importance and it’s somewhere that’s important to the community.”

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Tim said after he went to the open day at Acklam Hall earlier this month he was “fuming” and decided to start the petition.

“I know it’s a done deal now but I could have either done nothing or at least tried something,” he said.

Mr Mallon said: “Acklam Hall is the only Grade I listed building in Middlesbrough and it’s an extremely important location. The actual hall is in poor disrepair and would require somewhere between £2m and £3m to actually bring it back to its former glory.

“The only game in town for that to occur is for new houses to be built on the site which would be the cash vehicle to fund the £2-3m required.

“In addition to that it’s proposed that a care home and a health village to be located at the rear of the hall. Acklam Hall Ltd together with Taylor Wimpey are the two main developers who have just recently got full planning permission for the houses to be built at the front and side of the hall which will result in the hall becoming a conference centre and also used for wedding receptions.”